On Thursday November 1st the Oxford City Local Plan will be opened to the public for consultation.

The details of the plan will be available on line and copies of the plan can be found in the local libraries in the city.

Comments on the plan will be sent to the Planning Inspector for consideration in the summer of 2019. All responses to the plan have to be made on the appropriate forms, must indicate the policy that they address, indicate how that policy can be improved, and furthermore they must relate to the “tests of soundness” of the plan.

The procedures to follow are described at this site. You can talk to the local Planning Officers responsible for the plan at the meetings on these dates.

Wednesday 7th November 2018 4-7pm ( St Aldate’s Room, Town Hall )

Saturday 17th November 2018 10am-1pm ( Judge’s Room, Town Hall )

The consultation ends on 13th December 2018, and the City Council hopes to have the Planning Inspector’s report on the Plan in the Summer of 2019, and to implement it by the end of 2019.

We are sometimes asked how FOQ decide which applications to comment on and on what basis. We will comment on applications where we feel there is an impact on the Conservation Area, especially on its character and appearance, and where neighbours express strong concerns. This can include applications outside the Conservation Area.

Of 17 planning applications in Quarry last year we commented on five plus Stansfeld. We did not comment on any applications for tree work/removal.

16/01373/FUL Holy Trinity Church. We were generally favourable, following changes made to the earlier application, which was withdrawn.

16/01674/FUL 10 Beaumont Road We were concerned about the size of the rear extension and its impact on neighbours

16/01272 New Access to the Masons Arms off the Stables. Our main concern was the loss of walling along the Stables and the change to the character and appearance of this part of Quarry. The Planner’s Report has raised several concerns about the Council’s commitment to the Conservation Area and we have requested a meeting with the Council to discuss.

16/02618/FUL Stansfeld Education Centre We were generally favourable but concerned about the impact of traffic and parking on Quarry

16/03233 25 Quarry High Street Lots of internal improvements proposed plus significant changes to the external appearance. This property is part of a 70s development which has clear design elements running through all properties. Should we be concerned about the loss of these elements in the Conservation Area? Discuss Not sure we need this one see below

17/007771/FUL 1A New Cross Road Like many neighbours, we were concerned about the loss of off street parking and front garden. These plans have since been amended.